November is globally recognised as Diabetes Awareness Month, with World Diabetes Day being marked on Friday, 14 November 2025.
This year's theme, "Diabetes Across Life Stages,"
serves as an important reminder that diabetes can affect anyone, from childhood
to old age, and that effective management is essential to living a healthy and
fulfilling life.
Diabetes is more than just "high sugar levels."
It is a chronic, progressive condition that, if not properly managed, can cause
lasting damage to vital organs and even lead to life-threatening complications.
Uncontrolled blood sugar can harm the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and
circulation and can also make it more difficult for wounds to heal.
Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC, Mireille Wenger, ensures
communities that support is available:
"Living with a chronic disease is not a journey anyone
should walk alone. Our clinics are here to support you, our teams are ready to
guide you, and with regular care, people with diabetes can live long, healthy,
and fulfilling lives. Your health is worth the effort, and every step you take today
builds a stronger tomorrow."
PICTURE: PixabayAccording to Dietitian at the Western Cape Department of Health
and Wellness, Nadene Polayya, ‘’Diabetes is one of the leading causes of
disability and premature death. However, the good news is that it can be
prevented and managed with the right lifestyle and medical support. Regular
screening and early detection are critical because many people live with
diabetes without knowing it. The main disabilities that I see are poor
eyesight, burning or painful feet and lower limb amputations."
‘’Adhering to your treatment plan and ensuring you keep
your follow-up appointments helps to control your diabetes. Poorly controlled
diabetes can reduce blood flow and cause nerve damage, especially in the feet.
This leads to loss of sensation, making it easy to overlook cuts, blisters, or
sores that can quickly become infected and lead to ulcers or even amputation.
To protect your feet:
* Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts,
redness, or swelling.
* Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially
between the toes.
* Wear comfortable shoes and never walk barefoot.
* Visit your clinic or podiatrist immediately if you notice non-healing wounds or changes in skin colour or sensation.
Diabetes can affect anyone, including children. Warning signs to look out for in your child include:
* Drinking excessive amounts of water or milk
* Frequent urination, even at night
* Sudden weight loss
* Constant tiredness or irritability
* Fruity-smelling breath or unexplained nausea
‘’There is no cure for diabetes yet, but with proper
management, including
healthy eating, regular exercise, medication or insulin
use, and ongoing
medical care, people living with diabetes can lead long,
active, and healthy
lives,’’ says Nadine.
Premier Alan Winde has been living with diabetes for years. He has this advice:
‘’I know how important it is to stay active, eat well, and
keep your health in check. Managing diabetes is not always easy, but it is
possible, and it starts with small, daily choices. On World Diabetes Day, I
want to remind every person that early detection and healthy habits can make
all the difference’’
Where to Get Help
Free diabetes screening and management services are available at all public
health facilities. Ask your local clinic about:
* Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
testing
* Foot and wound care clinics
* Nutrition and diabetes education sessions
* Support groups for people living with
diabetes
The City of Cape Town said it is enthused by the ongoing
increase in the number of persons screening for diabetes, raising concerns
about the rise in diabetes amongst young people. In the past financial year,
the number of diabetes screenings at City clinics in the 18 to 44 age group
rose by just more than 4% to 132 518, with 425 new diabetes clients.
‘’More and more people in their 20s are diagnosed with
diabetes and the cause is often the choices they made as teenagers. Healthy
food choices and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes. You’re not too young to start making better choices
for your health,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community
Services and Health.
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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